'V \ 



| LI BRARY OF CONGRE SS, i 

i <*+ - \ 

t - I 

I UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. * 



#£ 




THE MOISniTOie. 



THE EASTERN STAR. 



CONTAINING THE 



RITUAL OP ADOPTIVE MASONRY, 



EMBRACED IN THE 



EASTERN STAR DEGREE, 



CONSISTING OF THE INITIATION, DEGREE WORK, CEREMON* 

FOR OPENING AND CLOSING A LODGE, INSTALLATION 

SERVICE, ETC. 

Together with Forms, and Rules for the government 
of Lodges. 



Compiled and Arranged e ^ 

BY JOHN H. ' y T A T E M „ - V*/ •* 'COfl-, 

Adrian, Mich. 

1 *\ 



■ 



***** 



\* 



*U 



Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1867, 

BY J. H. TATEM, 

In the Clerk's Office of the District Court of the United 
States, for the Eastern District of Michigan. 



PREFACE. 

The object of the compiler in the com- 
pilation of this workj is to furnish the 
Fraternity and friends of Adoptive Ma- 
sonry, a ritual, by means of which they 
may be enabled to establish Lodges, and 
confer the Eastern Star Degiee. The 
necessity of such a work has been sug- 
gested by the frequent requests made 
for a method by which Adoptive Ma- 
sonry may be brought into practical use. 
A great amount of time and attention 
has been devoted by different persons in 
teaching Adoptive Masonry, and con- 
ferring among others the Eastern Star 
degree ; the result of which has been to 
create a very warm feeling in favor of 
this degree, and a desire in each and 
•every locality where it has been taught, 
for the establishment of a Lodge, and 



at the same time leaving them entirely 
without the means of establishing or 
working lodges. No work of this kind 
ever having been published, except the 
lectures appertaining to this degree, it 
has been found to be no easy task to ar- 
range the work in such a manner that it 
could be published with some degree of 
secrecy, and at the same time be under- 
stood by those having a knowledge of 
the degree. The compiler is aware, 
therefore, that this work is imperfect in 
many respects ; yet feeling desirous that 
the work in the various Lodges when 
established should be uniform, the com- 
piler offers this volume to the friends of 
Adoptive Masonry, hoping that his well 
meant endeavors will meet with their 
approval. the compiler. 



OBJECTS OF THE RITE. 



The objects contemplated in the es- 
tablishment of the American adoptive 
rite, are to associate in one common bond 
the worthy icives, widows, daughters and 
sisters of freemasons, so as to make their 
adoptive privileges available for all the 
purposes contemplated in Masonry; to 
secure to them the advantages of their 
claim in a moral, social and charitable 
point of view; and from them the per- 
formance of corresponding duties. 

So far as the American Adoptive rite 
may succeed in these, there will be cause 
for congratulation, whatever amount of 
opposition it may encounter. The com- 
munication of such degrees as " The 
Mason's Daughter," "The Good Sa- 
maritan," " The Heroine of Jericho," 



&c. &c , though the j may answer the 
temporary purposes of pleasure and 
amusement, does not in any important 
degree enlighten their recipients in the 
inherent claim possessed by the female 
relatives of Masons. Much less does it 
put them in Masonic connection with 
the vast brotherhood and sisterhood ot 
the York Rite. Least of all does it in- 
fluence them in the performance of re- 
ciprocal duties, without which the 
Adoptive claim is an imposition. 

For a wider diffusion of the Masonic 
scheme of teaching morality and reli- 
gion by significant emblems; for inclining 
the influence of females towards the 
York rite; for increasing social enjoy- 
ment by the Masonic tie ; for ameliora- 
ting the condition of widows aud or- 
phans ; and for affording increased facil- 
ities in relieving distressed travelers, 
the American Adoptive rite has been 
framed. 

To secure successful results it is neces- 



sary that its votaries should apply its 
rules in a rigid sense; maintain its 
Lodges valiantly ; affiliate into its bonds 
only those calculated by temperament 
and principle, to understand and appre- 
ciate it, and work out patiently and un- 
tiringly its grand designs. 



MEANS OF COMMUNICATION. 

The means of communication and re- 
cognition teach the peculiar lessons of 
the rite, and enable its members to re- 
cognize each other under every circum- 
stance in which they may be placed. 
They are so contrived as to be easy of 
acquirement and use, and consist of 
signs, passes, emblems, and technical 
lectures of the " Eastern Star," De- 
gree, founded upon its traditions. 
These are exceedingly beautiful and in- 
structive. The benefits of this rite are 
mainly to the female sex. For them this 



temple has been reared, and these walls 
set up. They are its glory and crown ; 
and its value consists in the spirit with 
which they enter it, and the grace they 
throw around it. 



THE MEMBERSHIP. 

The title of female members of this 
rite is Stellce ; that of male members, 
Protectors. 

The lawful recipients of the American 
Adoptive rite are such worthy females, 
being wives, widows, daughters or sis- 
ters ot worthy affiliated Master Masons, 
as may be recommended by two or more 
members and unanimously elected by 
the Lodge at its regular meeting. If 
unmarried they must nave attained the 
age of eighteen years to be eligible. 

Likewise, such worthy Master Mftsons 
affiliated in regular Ledges, as may be 



re oo mm ended by two or more members 
and unanimously elected as above. 

The form of petition for initiation is 
as follows : 

To the Worthy President, Vice Presi- 
dent and Patrons of the 

Eastern Star Lodge. 

The subscriber, residing in 

aged years, respectfully repre- 
sents that this is the time, that 

has made application to a Lodge of 
the Eastern Star, and that unbiased by 
friends, and uninfluenced by mercenary 
motives,. . . .freely and voluntarily offers 

as a candidate for initiation into 

the mysteries of this degree, and that 

is prompted to solicit this privilege 

by a favorable opinion of your ancient 
and honorable order, a desire of knowl 
edge, and a sincere wish of being ser- 
viceable to. . . .fellow creatures. Should 
....petition be granted... will cheer- 



fully conform to all the laws, rules and 
regulations of the order. 

Dated A. L. 58 

Recommended by 



(Signed,) . 



A sister or brother deinitted from an- 
otherLodge and wishing to affiliate again 
will use the following form of petition : 

To the Worthy President, Vice Presi- 
dent and Patrons of. . . . Lodge . . . .of 
the American Adoptive Rite. 

The undersigned, late member of . . . . 
Lodge, No as certified by the ac- 
companying signet of withdrawal, so- 
licits affiliation in your Lodge. 

If this petition is granted, she (he) 
pledges her (his) honor as a woman, t 
(honor as a Mason) to conform in all 



11 



respects to the legal requirements of 
your Lodge. 

Signed 

Recommended by 



The petition must be accompanied by 
the signet of withdrawal from the last 
Lodge in which the petitioner was af- 
filiated. 

Members in good standing, dssiring 
to change their residence, affiliate with 
another Lodge, or withdraw from the 
order, will be entitled, upon the majority 
vote of the members of the Lodge, to a 
demit in the following form : 
To the Enlightened Stelloe and Protect- 
ors of the American Adoptive rite, 
this Demit witnesseth: 
That sister (Bro.) A. B., was initiated 
into the light of Adoptive Masonry, (or 
affiliated into the membership) of the 

Eastern Star in this Lodge, on the 

day of 18 



12 

That during her (bis) connection with 
us, she (he) lias, in all respects, con- 
formed to the legal requirements of this 
Lodge. That in her withdrawal she (he) 
bears with her (him) the love and esteem 
of the officers and members of this Lodge 
and we do hereby most affectionately 
commend her (him) to the kindly offices 
and friendship of all enlightened Stella.* 
and Protectors wherever in the journey 
of human life she (he) may be found, 

(Signed.) W.P 

Vice P 

(Seal.) Sec 



THE BUSINESS OP THE LODGE. 

The business of the Lodge is to act 
upon petitions ; to initiate ; to dispense 
charity and sympathy; to confer the de- 
gree of the Eastern Star and communi- 
cate the lectures of the same ; to exer- 
cise discipline; likewise to take all proper 



13 

measures for cultivating peace and har- 
mony, and extending the Christian prin- 
ciples of morality and love among the 
members. Finally, to aid in the import- 
ant work of extending the benefits of the 
American Adoptive rite to every com- 
munity where there are persons enti- 
tled to receive it. 

The meetings of a Lodge are stated 
and called. The stated meetings are 
those enjoined by the by-laws, and may 
be, held either weekly, semi-monthly, 
monthly or quarterly at the choice of the 
members, expressed in the by-laws. 

The called meetings are those sum- 
moned at the will of the W. P. or in the 
absence of that officer, by the V. P., 
upon any emergency apparent to him. 

The paraphernalia essential to the 
meetings of the Lodge, are one or more 
bibles, membership board and by-laws. 
To these should be added, when con- 
venient, the banner of the Lodge, a key, 



14 

and other appliances for work and in- 
struction. 

Those precautionary measures which 
form so prominent a feature in all secret 
affiliated systems, whereby they are en- 
abled to detect imposters and reject 
them from their assemblies, are ot the 
highest possible importance in the Amer- 
ican Adoptive Rite, in view of the pecu- 
liar intimacy between the sexes, which 
constitutes the prime feature and aim of 
this society. This intimacy is, in itself, 
well calculated to furnish the world with 
a subject for slanderous imputations; 
and it will infallibly render any negli- 
gence allowed, though apparently slight 
and unimportant, serious in its conse- 
quences. • 

The officers of the Lodge are there- 
fore enjoined by every principle of pru- 
dence and self-preservation, to study 
critically the standard measures of pre- 
caution ; to exercise extraordinary vig- 
ilance in purging their assemblies; and 



15 

to allow neither fear nor faver to bias 
them in the admission of unworthy or 
unenlightened visitors. 



OPENING THE LODGE. 

The hour for opening the Lodge hav- 
ing arrived, the W. P. repairs to the 
East, calls the Lodge to order, and re« 
quests the officers to repair to their 
stations and proceed as follows: 

Brother Sentinel you will approach 
the East. Your duties will require you 
to remain without, guarding with all 
diligence the entrance to this place, 
and suffering neither fear nor favor to 
influence you, in admitting improper 
visitors. Will you perform this trust in 
trnth and vigilance ? 

Sentinel — What guarantee have I that 
in my absence the work of the Lodge 
will be performed agreeably to the 



10 

usages of the American Adoptive Rite? 

^V. p. The honor of an Adoptive 

Mason. 

Sentinel— It is well. I accept it, and 
if you will furnish me with the means 
of security, I will guard you with truth 
and vigilance while here assembled. 

W. P. Receive the implement of 

yonr office and repair to your station. 

\Y. p. — S g w a t f d o y o. Guard 
— -T s t t a o a a d g. W. President— 
Y w s t w a d g a i t s t w a a t r 1 i t d a 
d h % a n t a t i d u n o hi r t r t. — 
Guard— W a d g w P. W. President— 
B v P a y s t a p a b a s o t e s d. Vice 
President— I a n swpbwibtaoss 
atpseatpy w p t t L a s t a p a i p 
o t p a e t a s i 1 1. I a n s w P t a p a b 
a s o t e s a e t s i t 1. W. President— 
Bvpayabote s. Vice President— 
Ihshsite. W. President— F W c y 
h. Vice President— I h c t w. W". 
President— II y tew. Vice President - 

Vice 



President — I w w y a, \vp, b, vp, nyb, 
\vp, b y vp f w p a vp t w p a v p 1 f W 
P. htwasvpiht fiwbfttcoab 
osftwsrtsot duseotlsfoom 
w w w ft cm. W. President — H y t c 
m vp i h wp wygimvpiwwya wp b 
vp nyb wp b y vp f w p a vp t wp a 
v p 1. W. President — W i t g p i 
t 1. Vice President — A trot vp. W. 
President — S gwatdoyo. Guard — 
Tcmfootaa sttaoaadg. W. 
President — W ttfppitl. Guard — A 
traifotc. W. President — S f p w a 
t d o y o. 1st Patron — T i citpotr 
a t J d. W. President — W i t s p p i t 
I. 1st Patron— A t 1 a i f o t vp. W. 
President — S s p w a t d o y o. 2d 
Patron — T icitpotratr. W. Pres- 
ident — W i t t p p i tl. 2d Patron — A 
traitotvp. W. President — S t p 
w a t d o y o. 3d Patron — T i c i t p o 
t r a t e. W. President — W i t f p p i t 
I. 3d Patron — I t s. W. President 
— Sfpwatdoyo, 4th Patron — T i 
2 



18 

citpotra t in. W. President — \V i 
t f p p i t 1. 4th Patron — At 1 a i f o t 
wp. W. President — S f p w a t d o y 
o. 5th Patron — T i c i t p o t r a t e. 
W. President— W i t s p i t 1. 5th Pa- 
tron — A 1 1 o t w p. W. President — s s 
Watdoy o Sec tkarotpotlra 
mdtlptotttth r t. W. President 
— W i t t p i t 1 See a t r o t c. W. 
President — S t w a t d o y o. Treas- 
urer — T ramdtlft hotskajao 
t s p t o b o o t W. P. wtcotl. W. 
President — W i t c p i 1 1. Treasurer — 
A t r o t w P. W. President — S c w a 
tdoyo. Ctrcac tttvrotrtiaa v. 
W. President — W i t v p p i t 1. Con 
ductor — I t \v. W. President — B v p 
w a t d o y o. Vice President — 
T a t W P i t g o t 1 a t a t o t c. W. 
President — T p p i t 1. Vice Presi- 
dent—I t e W P. W. President.— W 
a t d o h o. Vice President — T pot 
dotlagt s aocdpooacsfit 
e a t h m s p. W. President — (C u I 1 



19 

a s) B & S t w t s (p b t c.) W. Presi- 
dent — B as'otesiimottlnrlab 
dofsbamrcbiywptnotoacy 
abmotmfsgy wits. 

At closing the Lodge a similar cere- 
mony takes place ; the avenues of the 
Lodge are again carefully guarded ; a 
re-capitulation of the duties of the offi- 
cers is rehearsed. It is particularly es- 
sential that each member should become 
familiar with the ceremony of opening 
. and closing the Lodge in due form. 
Especially should those who have the 
honor to preside over the Lodge, be 
well qualified to discharge the duties in- 
cumbent on their positions A suitable 
hymn concludes the ceremony, after 
which the W. President declares the 
Lodge closed in due form. 



20 



CLOSING HYMN. 

Music— "Sweet Home." 
Farewell till again we shall welcome the time, 
• Which brings us once more to our fame cherished 

shrine ; 
And though from each other we distant may roam, 
Again may all meet in this, our dear-loved home. 
Home, home — Sweet, sweet home ; 
May sisters and brothers find joy and peace at 
home. 
And when our last parting on earth shall 'draw nigh. 

And we shall be called to the Grand Lodge on high ; 
May each be prepared when the summons shall come, 
To meet the Grand Master in Heaven, our home. 
Home, home — sweet, sweet Iuhik. 
May sisters and brothers find joy and peace at 
home. 



21 

After the Lodge is opened in due 
form at a regular communication, the 
following order of business will be ob- 
served : 

1st. Calling roll of Officers. 

2d. Reading minutes of preceeding 
meeting. 

3d. Reading and referring petitions. 
4th. Reports of Committees on Ap- 
plications. 

5th. Balloting on Applications. 

6th. Conferring Degrees. 

7th. Reports of Special Committees. 

8th. Receiving and considering res- 
olutions. 

9th. Considering unfinished busi- 
ness. 

10th. New Business. 

11th. Closing the Lodge. 



THE INITIATION— INTRODUCTORY RE- 
MARKS. 

The ceremonial of initiations into the 
American Adoptive Rite is not reckoned 
a Degree, but rather a mental prepara- 
tion and trial of the temper and spirit 
of the applicants, preparatory to their 
being favored with the full light of the 
adoption. One weeks time must be 
given between the initiation and the de- 
gree, save whereby a vote of the lodge 
permission for a more rapid advance- 
ment is given. 

The system of initiations comprises 
the whole of the covenant of adoption, 
which must be carefully explained to 
the applicants before requring them to 
receive it. It is requisite, in general, 
if the candidate is a lady, that she have 



one or two of her female friends with 
her. members of the order, to bear her 
company in the ante-room, until she 
enters the Lodge. But the presence of 
her husband, father or brother may be 
substituted in case the membership of 
the Lodge is too small to spare the 
ladies from the room. 

In considering a petition for the light 
of Adoptive Masonry, let these four 
points of inquiry be made : 

1st. Is the petition in due form; 
signed by the applicants own hand, re 
commended by the constitutional num- 
ber, and accompanied by the fee required 
by the By-Laws. 

2d. Is the applicant a suitable subject 
for the American Adoptive Rite ; if a 
lady, eighteen years of age and upwards 
the wife, widow, daughter or sister of 
an affiliated master mason in good stand- 
ing 1 ; if a gentleman, an affiliated master 
mason in good standing. 

3d. Is the applicant perfectly accept- 



able to every officer and member of the 
Lodge, so far as can be known. 

4th. Is the applicant of sound mind 
and capable of acquiring a knowledge 
of this Rite. 

The petition having been thus thor- 
oughly considered, the vote must be 
taken by secret ballot and the result re- 
corded by the Secretary. If the ballot 
is favorable, the petitioner may at once 
be initiated. If not an interval of at 
least three months must elapse before 
the application can be renewed. 



INITIATORY SERVICE. 

The applicant,.if a lady, being elected 
and in waiting, a communication to that 
effect is made by the Sentinel, the vice 
President then retires to the ante-room 
with the petition in his hand, introduces 
himself to the candidate as an official 
member of the Lodge, and thus ad- 
dresses her : 



25 

V. P. — Are you the lady whose name 
is appended to this petition. 

Applicant — I am. 

V. P. — Do you still entertain the de- 
sire expressed in this petition to receive 
the light of Adoptive Masonry. 

Applicant — I do. 

V. P. — Who will be responsible to 
the Lodge for the good faith of this lady. 

Sentinel — By my knowledge of the 
Masonic brethren who have recom- 
mended her petition, I will. 

V. P. — It is well; I accept it. 

It behooves me then as one of the 
officers of this Lodge, to instruct you 
in the general nature of the covenant of 
adoption and explain to you the first 
and second portions of it, — t c i t s p o 
pwymm bycbaio o, — B w d n w 
ytmi, nwwpytmi, swyocaw 
a f u o w i i b i, — L tmtaala dsyb 
utbytsymwioorft p. The ob- 
jects for which we are banded together 
are to comfort, protect and aid each 



20 

ether through the labyrinth of human 
life, and make its hardships light by 
means of cheerful companionship and 
social pleasures. We are willing you 
should join us in this pleasing work. 

We are in possession of certain signs, 
passes, c( remonies, and lectures, by 
means of which we recognize each other 
wherever we go. We are willing to 
make you acquainted with these secrets 
that you, too, may be recognized as an 
Adoptive Mason. 

We are governed by certain rules, 
regulations and by-laws, framed by 
ourselves. We are bound by these 
rules, regulations, and by-laws, so long- 
as we remain members of the Soci- 
ety. I t o w s e y t s. — W a t t a s a 
m o t o : a b w c a f a d o o t a m o r. 
— y w i 1 m b p u r. 

We are all ol us, in faith Christians, 
and it is a large part of the business of 
this Society to rehearse the life and doc- 
trines of Christ, and endeavor to imitate 



27 

and practice upon his example. I this 
faith and in these works you, too, will 
be expected to participate. 

Itattfet y ty wnbwtpA, ti 
n, V P, d y t, c y h a a w a y t a a b i t 
b, t y w n r o s a t y w b o 1 1 r r, a b 1 
o o s, A I d. 

V. P. — It is well, give us admittance 
to the Lodge. 

Conductor— W s'n d f ' t o L, Tryb 
uhcutyaapsftloamwttlws 
t y h w b p a i y. Human life is a laby- 
rinth through which we wander too 
often, alas, blindly and in ignorance. It 
is good for us to have a friendly hand 
that can guide us with infallible cer- 
tainty and safety through its most intri- 
cate mazes. Such a companion may be 
found in Jesus Christ; who lived as we 
are living, died as we must di®, and 
went before us to Heaven to prepare a 
place for us. Pmhotpotaaygt 
a 1 w o y c n p a t 1 y 1 1 p o o e c o. — B r 
f o a t c o t d g o 1 (C h h a s b w s 



28 

gwbhacifot b.) T 1 i t p. (A t 
p t s o t v P t a a.) 

y. p. W b t— C- 1 k n— V P y k n 
— C b i h a h— V P— w h 1 1— C Charity 
V. P. — It is well. I b mnaootoo 
tltiyittsotcoa. The society of 
Adoptive Masonry is bound together by 
ties of mutual aid and relief. We coun- 
sel each other when in difficulty ; sym- 
pathise with each other when in afflic- 
tion ; and give aid to each other when 
in distress. Ay w tcyhaawayt 
a ab itb tywnrosatyw 
b o t t r r a boos. A. I a V. 
P. — It is well ; Adoptive Masons de- 
rive their knowledge from the pages of 
the b v y b, have learned that we are 
exposed through every moment of our 
lives, to be led away by temptations. 
We pray that we may not be led into 
temptation. We encourage each other 
to resist temptation. A w a sp n t d 
a i t o a b w o a. A w a s i d h u w t s 
wwrtmoj do RE maeaoyms 



29 

t ]■. b r o o c o a a r w t p t t s r h p r. 
B s i b s (e s) a y w t e y h a a w a y t 
aabitbtywtazpwuitw. Aia. 
V. P.— t i w p C. AtptsotCt h. 
C t i t s w i h v f a 1 1 i m a y w s t o L. 
We are taught in the lessons of Adop- 
tive Masonry to resign, at times, our 
comforts and ease, that by so doing we 
can benefit our fellow creatures. B. S. 
(t c t t v c) s m y b e mdftftos os 
i o o. Whenever wearied on the jour- 
ney of human life, may you always find 
as now you do, a friend who has a place, 
and a heart to refresh you, r n a 1 u b g, 
— a tptsottpta a — f p, w b t, C i k n F 
P y k n— C b i h a h— F P. w h t t, C a. 
F P. i i w p a — S P, w b t. G i k n. S p 
y kn C, b i h a h, S P, w h t t C a S P, 
i i w p a T P. w b t. C i k n T P, y k n. 
C, b i h a h T P, w h t i. C. 0, TP, i i 
w p C— F P, w b t. CiknFP.yk n. C 
b i h a h F P,w li 1 1. C. D. F P, i i w i b m 
n, a o o t o o t 1 t i y i t f s o t c o a. 
The society of Adoptive Masonry is a 



society of Christians. None miter our 
ranks save those who believe that Jesus 
Christ is the Son of God, the Redeemer 
of the World, and the Almighty Savior. 
We teach no lessons but such as relate 
to him. We make no prayefs but 
through His holy name. We entertain 
no religious hopes but those which are 
founded upon his Birth, Life, Death, 
Resurrection and Ascension. A y w t 
c y h a a w a y t a a b i t b t y w t a z 
p w u i t w o p t t. A, i a— F P, i i w p 
D— F P, w b t. C, i k n— F P, y k n. C, 
biha h— F P, w h 1 1. C. F.— F P, i i 
w p f, (a t p t s o % B t h.) C t i t s p o 
y r B. S. C. You are now very near 
the end of our labyrinth, and so are you 
not far from the end of human life. 
Above you is suspended the banner ot 
our order, the Lion of the Tribe of 
Judah. Under the shadow of this Rock 
may you dwell. And when in the last 
stages of the labyrinth of life, old age 
shall admonish you of your speedy end, 



may you be revived by the unfailing 
strength of Him whom you have faith- 
fully served, r, 1 u b g (t p ifot W. 
P.) W. P. w b 1. C. Hopes, Hopes, 
many and bright, a field of virtues in 
which the principles of our order may 
produce an abundant harvest. W. P. 
It is well ; may they be amply realized. 
Attmibmatc o o t 1 t b y m s (b) 
tuatoobtcoa, t c w e t y, m s » v 
s ° y Jj y c ■* r h T? e niyhartm.ts 
p, w w r y f y p, a p y t w. I w r i t y, 
1 y m i a m b d. 1st; y a c t p i s a i s a 
tclsapbttaar. 2d;yactotc 
a a t r r a. . blot 1 o w y m b 
a m. 3d ; y a 1 t d t y s a b a i t t s i t s 
a a i t p. 4th ; t y a c t a s y s o b o p a 
a o i o u t t. 5th ;y aftetra y 1 u t e 1 
u b o 1 j c. D y t a t p c y h, a a w, a 
y t a a b i t b. A, i d. 

W. P. It is well. We readily accept, the 
pledge you make ns. W r e share with 
you in this covenant, and do now accept 
you into our band. Sister Secretary, 



make record that Sister the 

of Brother an 

affiliated Master Mason, is now initiated 
into the American Adoptive Rite. Sis- 
ters, give her a kind assurance of her 
welcome among us, (t f p a a t t c b t 
h w w o w a p.) 

W. P. My sister, we hail with true 
pleasure your coming amonst us. The 
work of Adoptive Masonry is amply 
sufficient for us all, and we shall rejoice 
to find you excelling in your zeal that of 
the most devoted members of our So- 
ciety. 

We are laboring to increase our own 
happiness and to promote that of others. 
Our experience and the wisdom we 
gain from the Scriptures, alike teach us 
that this world is a harsh, unfriendly 
scene, poorly adapted to impart felicity, 
and that it is chiefly by combining the 
efforts of the good and true, in the work 
of morality and religion, that happiness i- 
to be acquired and extended. The 



greater our ability to do good, the more 
pleasure we shall enjoy. 

We meet in private, that we may ar- 
range our plans for the good work in 
which we are engaged, without inter- 
ruption from those who cannot under- 
stand or sympathise with us. In our 
meetings we strive to learn our duty as 
beings who possess an immortal part, 
and when we return home it is our care 
to perform it. We cultivate a spirit of 
harmony, that the enemy of souls may 
acquire no advantage over us. 

And as a large portion of our work 
as Adoptive Masons lies in acquiring 
the doctrines and temper of Jesus 
Christ, whom truly to know is everlast- 
ing life. We often unite to address the 
Heavenly Throne and to plead with God 
that the very spirit of faith and wisdom 
may descend upon us, and make our 
our meeting place a place like Heaven. 
In such a prayer let us now with cheer- 
ful faith combine. 



34 

Source of all Wisdom, Truth and 
Love, grant to us that, in the reception 
of these persons, we may add strength 
to our strength, and grace to our gi ace. 
Oh ! may the golden chain thus length- 
ened become the brighter for these 
links, and be strengthened for the great 
work we do. Enlarge our powers to 
benefit mankind and to honor God, and 
when, one by one, each link shall fall 
away in death, may the parting be tem- 
porary and the meeting eternal. In the 
world where death comes not, may we 
realize the full happiness of loving and 
serving Thee forever. We ask throngh 
Christ the Saviour, Amen. 



EASTERN STAR DEGREE. 

The Lodge having been opened in 
due form, and the candidate in waiting 
in the ante-room, the alarm is given in 
the usual way, when the Guard res- 
ponds, as follows : 

A candidate desiring to be initiated 
into the mysteries of the Eastern Star 
Degree. 

W. P. Sister Conductor, you will 
repair to the ante-room, receive the can- 
didate, and conduct her through the 
various requisitions of the Ritual. 

(Atcetrabtc t L i c u w a u i s 
sasfto atcibcttatrhifotvP.) 

Vice P. WchCacdtbiitmo 
t e s d. Vice P. Sister A. B. We 
take it as a compliment to Freemasoas 



that you have expressed a desire to 
unite yourself with our order. The 
benefits of this Degree are mainly to the 
female sex. and I am free to inform you 
that you are at this time connected to 
Masonry by ties far more intimate and 
tender than you are aware of, or than I 
can even inform you of. The widow and 
orphan daughter of a Master Mason, 
takes the place of the husband and 
father, in the affections and good deeds 
of the Lodge. It their character is un- 
justly assailed (and oh ! how often the 
character of the most virtuous and 
pure, is assailed by the foul tongue of 
slander?) the brethren will defend them, 
If they are in want, distressed for the 
necessities of life, the brethren will divide 
their means with them. If traveling at a 
distance from home, they find themselves 
sick and in want, among strangers, they 
have but to make themselves known as 
the widow or the orphan daughter of a 
Worthy Master Mason, and lo ! the 



hand of relief is stretched out toward 
them. The voice of sympathy is heard 
to cheer them; they are no longer stran- 
gers, but friends, dear friends, and thus 
they are constrained to bless our Soci- 
ety, whose kind deeds are not confined 
to the narrow limits of home. 

This is no fancy sketch. It is what 
has happened — what is happening every 
day. The widow has been provided 
with a home ; her children educated and 
reaped up to honorable stations in soci- 
ety, her own heart cheered and comfort- 
ed by the blessed influences of Masonry ; 
and this so often in every Lodge in the 
land, that were it our custom to publish 
abroad such things, a volume might be 
made up every year of these deeds of 
heavenly beneficence. 

These are but a few of the reasons 
why we think the Ladies should be the 
most devoted friends that Masonry pos- 
sesses. To them is given all the advan- 
tages of the Society, its shield of pro- 



tection, its band of relief, and its voice 
of sympathy, while we do not require of 
them any of the labor or expense of 
sustaining it. A y t w t o y s t c t a 1 1 r a 
rgtlaabasotesd. A,i aVPDysd 
u y h a a w (o a a m in) t y w n rtso 
t d u, — T y w n b p n a i c t d u a m n 
vfabam m n u a w n v f a b t w w s 
o d o a m ra — Ft y w r t n o a w b o 
s o t d t a t y a s a y d t w a f a t n m r 
a y a p — F t y w n sdoawbosot d 
b t b b w g t d a t n 1 1 m w o a d. — A. 
i a V P y h mptp o. 

The candidate is then conducted to 
the station of the First Patron. 

1 st P. — w c h — C. acdtbiitpot 
r atj d. 

1st Patron. Jephthah was Governor 
of Israel and Commander of the armies 
of the Lord. He was a pious man, and 
as our traditions say, a Freemason. 
Going out on one occasion, at the head 
of his armies, ho prayed most earnestly 
to God for victory, and made a vow — a 



39 

rash and unfortunate vow, as it after- 
wards proved — that if his piayer was 
answered, and he should return home in 
triumph, he would oiler as a sacrifice 
whatever should meet him coming out 
of his dwelling. His prayer was heard, 
a splendid victory was given him, and 
he returned home at the head of his 
army rejoicing. 

When he arrived at the brow of the 
hill above his house he paused for a mo- 
ment, for now he anxiously recalled to 
mind his vow, and he waited to see 
what should first come from his doors. 
He expected it would be his daughter's 
pet lamb. But imagine his distress, 
conceive his anguish and horror when 
he beheld his daughter, his only child, 
a- fair young maiden, just emerging into 
womanhood, come forth, and in the joy 
of meeting her father, run to meet him 
with singing and dances. He fell on 
his face in the dust. He rent his clothes, 
and in the anguish of his heart cried 



aloud : " Alas, my daughter, thou hast 
brought me very low I" 

When his daughter was informed of 
his vow, and that her lite or his dis- 
honor was its penalty, she hesitated not 
a moment to confirm it. She only said, 
" My father, if indeed thou hast opened 
thy mouth unto the Lord, turn not back." 
She made this one request, that he would 
give her two months' time to prepare her- 
se iff 0} ' her terrible fate. It was grant- 
ed -and she went in company with her 
female friends, among the eaves of the 
mountains, where they mourned un- 
ceasingly, day and night, her impending- 
death. 

When the two months had expired, 
and the day arrived which was to bring 
this sad affair to a close, a vast multitude 
gathered together to witness the event. 
Many thought that Jephthah's daughter 
would refuse to come and submit to so 
frightful a doom. But precisely as the 
sun came on the meridian, she was - 



followed by a long train of tier friends 
winding her way down the mountain 
side, to the fatal spot where the altar 
was erected, and her father, with an al- 
most broken heart, wag standing, pre- 
pared to fulfil his vow. 

She approached him and with one 
long kiss of affection bade him farewell. 
Taking up the thick mourning yeil 
which she had worn, he threw it gently 
over her face and drew his sword. But 
she rapidly unveiled herself, and said 
she needed not to have her face covered, 
for she teas not afraid to die. Her 
father replied that he could not strike 
the blow while she looked upon him, and 
again cast it over her. She threw 7 it off 
the second time, and turning from him, 
said she would look np to the heavens, 
so that his hand should not be unnerved 
by the sight of her face, but that she 
would not consent to die in the dark. A 
third time, however, he insisted, and a 
third time she as resolutely cast it off. 



42 

This time holding the ends of it firmly in 

her hands, and then in the hearing of 
the multitude she solemnly declared 
that if this ceremony was insisted upon, 
she would claim the protection of the 
law and refuse the fate that otherwise 
she was willing to endure. She said it 
was the practice to cover the faces of 
murderers and criminals when they were 
about to be put to death, but for her 
part she was no criminal, and died only 
to redeem her father's honor. Again 
she averred that she would cast her 
eyes upward upon the source of Light, 
and in that position she invited the fatal 
blow. It fell. Her gentle spirit mount- 
ed to the heavens upon which her last 
gaze had been fixed, and so the deed 
was consummated which has rendered 
the name of Jephthah's Daughter for- 
ever famous in the annals of Scripture 
and of Masonry. 

[Here explain again, and carefully, 
the sign of Jephthafts Daughter, and 
the manner in which the pass is given.] 



JEPHTHAH'S DAUGHTER.— Judges xi: 35* 

Air.— " Love Not." 
Father ! father ! the joj'ful minstrel sung — 

Lo, glad I come, with timbrel and with dance ! 
Hail, father, hail ! thine arm in God was strong ! 
Hail, God of Israel, Israel's sure defense! 
Hosanna ! hosanna ! 

Thus the minstrel sung. 

Father ! father! the astonished daughter said — 

"What grief is this, what means this sign of woe ? 
Dust on thy head? thy gray hairs floating wide ? 
That look of horror on each soldier's brow ? 
Bewailing! bewailing — 

Thus the daughter cried, 

Father! father! the astonished daughter cried — 

If thus I'm doomed, if thus thy vow has gone, 

Turn not thou back! there's hope amidst the dead. 

None to the perjured — let thy will be done ! 

Hosanna ! hosanna ! 

Thus the maiden said. 

Father ! father ! the doomed one meekly spoke— 

Be strong thy hand, be resolute thy heart! 
To Heaven's re-union I will joyful look, 
And with a blessing on thy head depart ! 
Farewell ! farewell ! 

Thus the doomed one spoke, 



J \ 

They now pass to the station ot 2d 
Patron. 

2d P. — W c h C a c diitpotr a t r. 

2d P — The Scriptural account of Ruth 
is one of the most beautiful, tender and 
touching passages in Holy Writ. It is 
as interesting to the young as to the old, 
and opens up to us the most complete 
account of the usages of ancient society, 
thirteen hundred years before the coin- 
ing of Christ, that we possess. But 
when enlightened by the traditions of 
Masonry, as given in the Eastern Star 
Degree, it is still more interesting. 

Ruth was of the nation of Moab, a 
people ot isolators. She married a man 
of God, by whose pious example and 
teachings she was converted to the true 
religion. Upon his death bed he charg- 
ed her, for her soul's sake to leave the 
dangerous company in which she would 
be thrown, and go to the city of Beth- 
lehem, where dwelt the people of God. 
His name was Mahlon, and our tradi- 



tions inform us that lie was a Freemason, 
Immediately after his death she obey- 
ed his pious injunctions. Forsaking her 
home and friends, she journeyed in 
company with her aged mother in-law, 
to Bethlehem, and arrived in due. time, 
but way-worn and so poor that she was 
compelled, for her own support and that 
of her friend, to seek some means of se- 
curing a livelihood. There was nothing, 
however, that she could do, save to go 
into the barley fields, — -for it was the 
time of harvest, — and glean among the 
poorest and lowest classes of the people 
for a support. The very first attempt 
she made at this labor, exhausted her 
strenth. She had been reared in luxury 
and the toil was too great for her. The 
sharp stubble wounded her feet. The 
blazing sun oj "pressed her brain. The 
jeers and insults of her companions 
alarmed and discouraged her, and long 
before the hour of noon, with only two 
little handsful of barley, as the fruits of 



46 

her labor she sought the shade of a tree 
to refresh herself for a few moments, be- 
fore retiring from the field. 

At this instant, Boaz, the owner of 
the fieid, entered. He was a pious and 
charitable man, and as our traditions say 
a Freemason. None in Bethlehem so 
rich, none more beloved and honored 
than he. As he entered the field, he 
observed near the gleaners the form 
of one different in garb and manners 
from the rest, and asked the over- 
seer who she was ? In reply he 
learned that she was a woman from 
Moab, who had asked leave to glean 
among the sheaves, but that evidently 
she was unaccustomed to such labor, for 
she had been there since the sunrise and 
had gathered but two little handsful of 
barley. This excited the kindly feelings 
of Boaz, and he went to her to say 
words of sympathy, and to offer her relief 

As she saw him approach, she sup- 
posed him to be the owner of the field, 



and come to order her away, as a vaga- 
bond or a thief. Ever since the morn- 
ing §he had met with nothing but se-orn 
and reproach, and she looked for it now, 
. Raising her hands, therefore, to show 
him how small virerQ her gleanings, and 
that she had stolen nothing from the 
sheaves, she crossed them meekly upon 
her breast, as showing her willingness 
to submit to whatever lot she might he 
called upon to endure, and cast her eyes 
upward as appealing to God against the 
inhumanity of man. It was for God she 
had forsaken home, wealth and friends, 
and the disconsolate widow T , alone in 
the wide world, had none other to whom 
she could look for protection. This mute 
appeal was not lost to the kind heart of 
Boaz. He spoke words of sympathy 
and tenderness to her. He encouraged 
her to persevere. From the provisions 
brought for his reapers he ordered her 
to eat and drink. He directed that hand?- 
fu 1 of barley should be dropped in her 



48 

■,vny by the reapers, that she might gath- 
er an ample supply, so that when she 
returned to her mother-in law, she bore 
with her as much as she would. 

The Masonic history of Ruth ends 
here ; but the scriptural account 
on to say that she became the wit' 
this generous man and Mason, and that 
through a long line of posterity, Christ, 
according to the flesh, was her son ! She 
was the grandmother of Jesse, the fath- 
er of David, the father of Solomon, 
whose wisdom and might are known 
equally to every Bible reader and to 
every intelligent Mason. 

From MoaVs lulls the stranger 

By Borrow tried, widowed by death- 
She comes to Judah's goodly homes, 
Led by the trusting hand of faith. 

' Ye friend- ol 1 " 11 ' 1 

The fair and virtuous Ruth to day : 
A generous heart and hand extend, 
And wipe the widow's tears away. 

She leaves her childhood's home, and all 
That brothers, friends and parents - 

The flowery fields, the lordly hall. 
The green sod o'er her husband's grave. 
Ye friends <>t God, a 



49 

She leaves the gods her people own : 
Soulless and weak, they'je hers no more: 

Jehovah, He is God alone, 
And Him her spirit will adore. 

Ye friends of God, &c, &c. 

At Bethlehem's gates the stranger stands, 
All friendless, poor and wanting rest ; 

She seeks the aid of loving hands 
And liberal hearts that God has blest. 
Ye friends of God, &c, &c. 

They now pass to the station of the 
3d Patron. 

Third Patron — w c h — C-a c d i i t p 
o t r a t e. — 

3d P.— The history of Esther is that 
of a heroine, inspired by the noblest 
sentiments of religion, to offer her life 
to save the people of God from destruc- 
tion, or in the event of failure, to perish 
with them. The scriptural account of 
Esther, found in the Book of Esther, is 
beautiful and instructive; but still more 
so when enlightened by the traditions of 
Masonry. 

Esther was reared up in obscurity, 
among the exiled people of Israel, then 

4 



dwelling in the land of Persia. Her 
beauty and virtue, and still more, her 
intellectual endowments attracted the 
attention of the king, the mighty Alias- 
uerus, who made her his wife and queen, 
presented her with a splendid palace, 
and honored her above all the women 
of the land. 

The more intimately he became ac- 
quainted with her mental powers, the 
more he admired them. There was no 
question so difficult she could not aid 
him to solve; no subject so intricate she 
could not assist him to unravel. In time 
he made her his confidant in all the af- 
fairs of the kingdom; and in the con- 
sideration of every question, she proved 
herself a true descendant of the wise 
king Solomon. All the traditions of 
that period prove that Esther was one 
of the most remarkable women who ever 
graced the pages of history. 

The traditions of Freemasonry inform 
us that the king Ahasuerus was a Free- 



mason. He w-as a man who chiefly val- 
ed himself upon keeping his word. The 
almighty power and importance of truth 
was to him an object of frequent con- 
templation. You will not be surprised 
therefore, when you hear the sequel of 
this singular history. 

The enemies ot the Jews, who were 
very numerous and powerful, had 
brought the most bitter and false accu- 
sations before the king, and had induced 
him to pass an edict that on a certain 
day the entire nation should be extermi- 
nated. Every man, woman and child 
of these unfortunate exiles was to be 
put to death, and thus the chosen people 
of God totally blotted out from the earth. 
But God appointed queen Esther an in- 
strument to prevent so great a calamity. 

No sooner did she learn of this cruel 
edict, than she resolved to use her influ- 
ence with the king to save her nation, 
and if she failed, to perish with them. 
The king had often promised her that 



whenever she came before him robed 
and adorned as a queen, and made any 
request of him whatever, lie would 
grant it, " even to the half of the king- 
dom." Now was the time to test his 
sincerity. So devoted to truth as he 
was, she could not hesitate to make her 
appeal to him now. She devoted her- 
self to prayer and fasting for three days 
and nights, and then causing herself to 
be attired in the silken robes, and with 
the crown of her royal state, she went 
boldly through the streets of the city to 
the palace of the king. 

It was a day of state. The king was 
engaged in giving public reception to 
the governors of the many nations un- 
der his rule, and his audience-chamber 
was crowded with the dignitaries of the 
kingdom. Esther was stopped by the 
sentinels at the gate, and informed that 
by a law of the palace, no person, under 
penalty ot death, could enter the king's 
presence unless first summoned. Of 



this, however, she was aware, and passed 
on, as it were, with her life in her hands. 
The scene, as this heroic woman en- 
tered the audience-chamber, was mag- 
nificent. All that could render such an 
occasion brilliant, was there, from the 
king on his throne, radiant with jewels, 
to the gorgeous equipage of the officers 
and decorations of the apartment. In 
contrast with all their splendid array, 
stood Queen Esther, pale with long last. 
ing and emotion, who strove to catch 
the eye of the king. As she did so, he 
rose, confused and angry that the law of 
the palace had been violated. At that 
instant Esther placed her hand upon the 
crown she wore, and upon the robe, and 
thus tacitly reminded him of his solemn 
promise. He remembered his pledge, 
and calling her to him at the foot of the 
throne, held out his golden scepter, that 
by placing her hand upon it, an evident 
sign of pardon and acceptance might be 
seen by all present. Then he said 



54 

"What wilt thou, Queen Esther? 

And what is thy request? It shall be 
given thee, even to the half of the king- 
dom." 

The Masonic history of Esther ends 
here, but the scriptural account goes on 
,to say that at a proper time she made 
known her request, which was granted 
by the king, and the whole nation of the 
Jews was thereby saved. Not one lite 
was sAcrificed, and to this day the Jew- 
ish people keep one day in each year as 
a festival to commemorate the boldness, 
intelligence and fidelity of Queen Esther. 

{Here explain again, and carefully, 
the sign of JEstlter, and the manner in 
which the pass is given.) 



ESTHER.—Esther v s 3. 

Queen of Persia's broad domain, 
Why this anguish and despair ? 

Blinding tears like falling rain ; 
Sighs and words of hopeless prayer! 

Round thee stands a waiting train, 
Wealth and beauty, rank and powei'- 

Ail to bring relief is vain, 
Queen of sadness, in this hour. 

For a voice has gone abroad, 
Stern and fearful, filied with doom, 

Israel's exiles to the sword, 

Sword and brand to Israel's home. 

Lo, that high, expressive brow — 
Grand — but what woman do; 

Hark, those words the purpose show — 
" I will save or perish too ! " 

"" To the Sovereign I will haste — 
Robe your queen in purity — 

Crown her as in triumphs past — 
Maidens, to the throne with me." 

Queen, thy holy aim is won ; 

God o'errules the stern decree — 
Sends a pardon from the throne, 

Israel saves, and honors thee. 



They now pass to the station of the 
Fourth Patron. 4th P. — w c h C a c d 
iitpotratm. 

4th P. — The history of Martha is that 
of a young woman oppressed with grief 
at the loss of an only brother, yet keep- 
ing, amidst death and eve.iy discourage- 
ment, an unshaken faith in the promises 
of Christ. Martha and Mary were Bis- 
ters who dwelt with their brother, Laza- 
rus. The traditions of our Society in- 
form us that he was a Freemason. The 
three lived toge.her in great harmony, 
and were favored above all the citizens 
of Bethany, by being the friends of Je- 
sus Christ, who, in his frequent visits t<> 
that village, made their dwelling his 
abiding place. They were known by 
their neighbors as the disciples of him 
to whom they showed so many marks of 
affection. 

On one occasion, when Christ was 
absent from Bethany, Lazarus was taken 
suddenly and violently sick. The case 



admitted of no delay, and the afflicted 
sisters dispatched a messenger to the 
place where Christ was, with their wishes 
expressed in these words, ' : Lord, be- 
hold ! he whom thou lovest is sick ! " — 
They might well have thought that such 
an appeal would have brought their Di- 
vine friend to their aid in the greatest 
haste, and that the life of Lazarus might 
thus be saved. But though the messen- 
ger returned, Jesus did not come. Laz- 
arus grew worse, while the sisters list- 
ened for the feet of their expected guest, 
— and died. He was taken immediately 
to the sepulchre according to the cus 
torn of the country, and these mourning 
females felt that they were alone. Their 
brother dead ! Their friend, upon whose 
miraculous power they had relied so 
greatly, a deserter in their greatest time 
ot need ! What had they to live for 
now ! 

But Christ, though apparently negli- 
gent to their call, knew better than they 



what was best for them. He was but 
trying their faith, and that dead man, 
sleeping in his gloomy sepulchre, was 
but a part of the trial. At the end of 
the fourth day, Martha, who had never 
ceased to look towards Jerusalem, with 
a half hope that he would yet come and 
bring peace to their wounded hearts, 
heard the message, " the Mastev is com- 
ing," and ran eagerly to the edge of the 
village to greet him. She fell on her 
knees before him, and with her hands 
upraised in an attitude of supplication, 
and in soft and loving words, rebuked 
the tardiness which had cost her broth- 
er's lite. Looking into his face, she saw 
the gentle smile there, which always 
spoke of hope and mercy, and was soon 
constrained to add, 'But I know that 
even now, whatsoever thou wilt ask of 
God, God will give it thee." 

Jesus s'aith unto her, " Thy brother 
shall rise again." 

Martha replied, " I know that he shall 



50 

rise a^ain in the resurrection at the last 
day." 

Jesus saith unto her, " I am the re- 
surrection and the life ; he that believeth 
in me, though he were dead, yet shall 
he live ; and whosoever liveth and be- 
lieveth in me shall never die. Believest 
thou this r 

Thus the Saviour tried the faith of 
Martha. Did she believe that he had 
the power, then and there, to raise her 
brother from the dead ? That was the 
meaning of his question. It would 
have been a hard one to others, but not 
to her. She answered at once, in the 
tone and spirit of perfect faith, " Yea 
Lord, I believe that thou art the Christ, 
the son of God, which should come un- 
to the world ! " 

The reward of such faith was soon 
rendered. Taking her by the hand, and 
passing by their dwelling where they 
wevki joined by Mary, they went to the 
sepulchre, and as every scripture reader 



knows, Jesus raised the dead man to life. 

{Here explain again, and carefully, 
(he sign of Martha, a/id the marvm 
which the pass is given.) 



MARTHA—.Tolin xi : 26. 

Air.— "The Soldier's Teak. 
Low in the dust she knelt, 

Down by the Saviour'.* feet, 
With weeping eyes and hands upraised, 

"Dp to the mercy seat : 
The friendless girl was sad—' 

Complainingly she sighed — 
Oh, hadst thou come while yet he lived. 

Our brother had not died. 

The Saviour's gentle smile, 

New hopes in Martha woke : 
Thy brother he shall rise again. 

The gracious Saviour spoke. 
The living shall not die, 

If in me they believe, 
And though they in the dust may lie, 

The very dead shall live. 

Into the Master's face, 

The sad one meekly gazed: 



61 

There is no fear in love, there is 

No doubt where faith is placed. 
Thou art, thou art, the Christ — 

In thee the dead shall live- 
Whatever thou shalt ask of God, 

I know that God will give. 

Before an open tomb, 

A joyful group is seen: 
The grave has yielded up its dead, 

And faith once more is green. 
No longer tears are thine, 

Sweet Martha, soul of faith, 
Thy love for Christ has found reward, 

Thy brother won from death. 

They now pass to the station of the 
Fifth patron. 5th P. — w c h — C acd 
iitpotrate. 

5th Patron. — The last of these live fe- 
male characters, whose virtues and mis- 
fortunes make up the glory of the East- 
ern Star, is Electa No account of this 
celebrated woman is given in the scrip- 
tures; we are entirely indebted for 
what we know of her to Masonic 
tradition, Her husband's name was 
Gaius, and he was long Grand Mas- 
ter of Masons in which situation he 



0*2 

was succeeded by the illustrious John 
the Evangelist. Electa had been reared 
up amongst a heathen people, and like 
the rest, had been taught to worship 
idols, in which faith she had reared her 
children. But happening by good chance 
to hear a discourse from the Christian 
Missionary, Paul, she, with her husband 
and all her family, yielded their faith to 
him whose gospel was so powerfully im- 
parted to them, and they became Chris- 
tians. 

It was at a period when all manner of 
persecutions awaited those who pro- 
fessed the Christian faith. Imprison- 
ment, scourgings, loss of property and 
often the loss of life was the price paid 
by those who gave in their adhesion to 
Christ. Electa and her family, however 
were spared for many years. The Ma- 
sonic influence which her husband ><> 
largely shared, made friends amongst 
those wno would otherwise have persecu- 
ted them ; and although they were often 



63 

scourged and pointed at as the followers 
of a crucified Saviour, yet no other evil 
befell them. 

In adopting the Christian religion, 
Electa had adopted all the virtues and 
graces that flow out of it. To spend 
her large income in relieving the poor ; 
to devote mueh of her time to the care 
of the sick ; to keep an open house for 
indigent and hungry travelers — these 
were among the least of the good deeds 
which the spirit of Christ's religion 
taught her to perform. She was ripen- 
ing daily lor a better world. Her chil- 
dren growing around her, were hers as 
well by faith in Christ as by the ties of 
blood. Her fame went everywhere as 
Electa, the mother of the faithful, the 
friend of the distressed, 

But now the time of trial came. Strict 
orders were issued from the Roman 
Emperor that all who professed the 
name of Christ should recant or suffer 
death. The soldiers swept through the 



land in search of all who were known 
ss being of this faith, and thousands in 
every part suffered martyrdom for their 
fidelity to the cause. It was not possi- 
ble that so shining a mark as Electa 
should escape, and a band of soldiers 
soon found their way through those 
doors so long opened for the entrance of 
the poor and distressed. But the captain 
of the band was a Freemason, and most 
loth to injure one of whose good deeds 
he had heard so much. He besought 
her urgently, therefore, to recant from 
Christianity. He told her the recanta- 
tion was a mure form, which need not 
indeed affect her private opinions and 
handed her a cross which he bade her 
throw upon the floor and put her foot 
upon it, assuring her that he would then 
leave her without danger, and make re- 
port that she had recanted. 

She took tne cross, but it was to press 
it to her bosom , to her lips, to weep 
tears of love to Christ upon it, to assure 



the soldier that in this sign she was 
more than willing to die, and that from 
the hour she professed the Christian re- 
ligion, she had waited eagerly for this 
opportunity to testify her love for Christ. 
She told him to do his duty, whatever 
it was, and Christ would give her Di- 
vine Grace to do hers. 

The family was then cast into a loath- 
some dungeon, where they remained for 
a year. Their splendid dwelling was 
burnt, and all their property taken away 
or destroyed. They were reduced to 
want in a single day. At the end of the 
year the Roman Judge came in person 
to their cell, and being also a Freema- 
son, and one who had often sat lovingly 
under the instructions of the Grand 
Master, her husband, besought them yet 
as it was not too late, to save their lives 
by recanting from the faith. He plead- 
ed with them by many arguments, by 
their love for their children, by the love 
of life and by the horrors of the death, 



66 

which infallibly awaited them if they 
persisted in their determination, to yield 
ere it was too late. But Electa made 
answer as before, and so did all her 
family. It was good, she said, that they 
for whom Christ died should give tes- 
timony to the power of his death by dy- 
ing for him. 

Then came the last sad scene. They 
were taken from the dungeon, and sav- 
agely scourged — mother, father and 
and children — until life barely lingered 
in their tortured bodies. Then they were 
taken in carts drawn by oxen, amidst 
the jeers and scorn of the people, to the 
nearest hill, and one by one nailed to 
crosses. As the meek and loving ser- 
vant of Christ was left to the last, she 
saw her husband and children suspended 
until speedy death released them from 
their sufferings. Then came her turn, 
and she soon gave up her spirit to God, 
her last words being a prayer for pardon 
upon her guilty murderers. 



In the next Grand Lodge St. John re- 
lated her history, and as there were few- 
present who had not shared in her kind- 
ness and hospitality, the relation was re- 
ceived with profound interest. At his 
suggestion it was agieed that the whole 
should be perpetuated by sign and passes 
as I have given them to you, and so for 
1 800 years, one generation to another 
has told the mournful yet triumphant 
story of the Christian martyr. Electa. 

(Here explain again, and carefully, 
the sign of Electa, and the manner in 
whicK the pass is given.) 



ELECTA.-3 John, i :5. 

Air. — "Auld Lang Syne." 
Her gentle hand and yielding heart, 

Shall grace our world no more ; 
She chose the true but better part 

Her Saviour choss before ; 
The Cross its gloomy load has borne, 

The grave concealed his prey, 
Yet in the triumph she has won 

We cast all tears away. 



68 

This heartless world but ill can >parn. 

Its jewels rich and few, 
But she — most excellent and rare, 

The generous and the true — 
She, in departing, left to earth, 

Such pattern at her faith, 
That though her life was matchless worth, 

Even worthier was her death. 

By her we learn the tenderest heart 

Is bravest to endure, — 
For at the Cross He*11 not desert, 

Who all its suffering bore :— 
Among ten thousand, fairest she, 

When bleeding, dying, high 
Her risen Lord proclaimed her free, 

And hailed her to the sky ! 

Her fame upon the wings of time, 

Through every land was swept ; 
Electa's faith unmatched, sublime, 

Electa's name has kept; 
Meek, radiant one ! whose willing blood 

Her faith in Christ did seal ; 
While hearts can feel and tears be stirred, 

Thy history we will tell. 

They now pass to the East. W. P. 
w c h. C — a c d f I i t e s d. 

W. P. -The first thing to which I call 
your attention is the Signet of the East- 
ern Star. This is prepared with a view 
to assist the memory after a person has 



69 

taken the degree. It is well called the 
Monitor of the Eastern Star, tor by its 
use you can recall everything that has 
been communicated to you. First, ob- 
serve the five emblems in the centre. — 
The Open Bible, the Bunch of Lillies, 
the Sun, the Lamb, and the Lion. Each 
of these, as used here, is a Christian 
emblem, and has a proper motto at- 
tached. 

The Open Bible has its motto at the 
bottom of the Signet, " The Word." 
The Bunch of Lillies is read on the right 
"The Lily of the Valley." The Sun is 
read at the lower right hand corner, 
"The Sun of Righteousness." The 
Lamb is read at the lower left hand cor- 
ner, "The Lamb of God." The Lion 
is read on the left, " The Lion of the 
tribe of Judah." All these, together 
with the other mottoes around the sides, 
" The Bright and Morning Star," " The 
Star out of Jacob," &c, refer to the 
Redeemer Jesus Christ, in whom all 



Christian Masons place their trust, and 
whose birth is alluded to in the sen- 
tences at the top, w h shsiteahct 
w h. These emb'ems will show you how 
much of religion there is interwoven in 
tins beautiful Degree of the Eastern 
Star. 

You will also see that the Star in the 
Signtt is five pointed. This alludes to 
the Birth, Life, Death, Resurrection and 
Ascension of the Lord Jesus Christ. — 
Each point on the Star has a color of its 
own, the reason of which will be ex 
plained to you in due time. The names 
of the live characters, Jephthalrs Daugh- 
ter, Ruth, Esther, Martha and Electa, 
are seen in the different points, and the 
histories of these make up the Degree. 
Each of these has an emblem opposite, 
the Sword, the Sheaf, the Crown, the 
Broken Column, and the Joined Hands. 
These form a part of the histories. 

S a 1 f h i d a a s. S m m t a o a ra 
m w m b p, b m o o m o t f s. W :i in 



71 

nisootsg, iihdtra f.— H w w h n 
o a c, o s o p, a o t b o i. t pots. This 
introduction will enable them with safety 
to make use of other means of recogni- 
tion, and thereby satisfy each other of 
their respective Masonic claims. I will 
now give you the origin of these signs. 
That of J. D., or the D. S., alludes 1 1 
m o h d. That of R, or t W. S.— 
ttmohsebB, tshteohg. That o 
E. or t W. S.— a ttmohmhabtKi 
b o h p. That o M. or t s s. — a 1 1 m i w 
s m h s ohrfB, a t d o h B. That o 
E o t c S. — a 1 1 m o h d, w w t o t c. 
The color B is app to J. D., a a t t c 
h o t m, awcsshwswphfhtf. 
The eits 5 tbtibwsw s. — T c Y i a 
tR, tbtcotr g itbfoB. The e i 
ts,tbf itbfoB. The CWiatE, 
tbtcotqrsw, wsetpotK. The 
eatCaS, tbeo R.— The c G i a t M. 
aatmro h bL. The e i t b c. A a 
thud. The CRiatE. aieotbss 
u t c. The eitjhaitohbh. 



W a 1 c t h 1 1 d, a li g o o ra o t s. a 
m m m e h i t r i t f m. Hlwiwt C. 
s w g t s o E. I r, a g h t p. W w t 
C. — I a i w, a a s, a a s r. W. P. — B 
b I c g y s r. I m b s t y a n i, I w t e 
y i t r. 

W. P.— " Ayasotes?" C— " I 
hshsite/' "W. P.— u F w cyh?" 
C— « A h c t w h." W. P.— II v t c 
W ? C— I h. W. P.— W y g i t" in ? 
C— I w w y a. W. P.— B. C— X v 
b. W. P.— B y. C— R- W. P. -A. 
C.—T. W. P.— A. C— L. F. W. 
P.— H t w a s ? C— i h t ; f, i w b f t 

tcoaS, oBftwsrtsotdu;8, eo 

t 1 s f o o m w, w w f t c m. W. 
P.—Hytcm? C— I h. W. P.— W 
y gi t m? a— I w w y a. W. P.— b 
C.—N y b. W. P.— B y. C— F— W 
P.— a— C— t— W. P.— a— C— 1. 

W.P. — i t w hwbewmta ws i j e 
the. TictfbbotESD. Aye r p 
bthiatmt waa tsb tts. I w n 
etc m. J. D. 1) s c r a h 1 1 p b f h w. 



F a t a a 1. K. — b s f b f a w, t s m d 
wtpo G w — F a 1 a a 1. E. — b s w p 
t r.h'C a its t poG'f d, otpw t w. F 
a t a., a I. M. — b s n f a m d t s p t r t 
d, w -F a t a a 1. A f. E. — b s j r u h h 
cgnaltsmtthclbamdwlataa^ 
s 1 i b w e o y. AyitvotcatsoG* 
Ssbyr. Y w n b c t s a t d, y s a t d 
a a o u, a t w i t p t w t a c, b e 1 1 a r 
t, pthtliat, tvnihbfwtcteaa 
R o a E. 

I w n i y i t s a p w o t D. W y e o r f 
t 1, p t t c o t r, a s t. W. P. w t s o E. 
T s i a g a a t w y a t a tW.P. o a m a 1 1. 
T p w, w b g a t o o t ]. Wt P.— p a, 
y w a a w 1 1 t \v F. Y m n s t B 1 a b 
w tas.io i. 



14 



INSTALLATION SERVICE. 

Marshal— Most Worthy Grand Presi- 
dent, I present you my worthy sister (or 
Bro.) A. B., to be installed President ot 
this Lodge. I find her to be of good 
morals, true and trusty, and as she is a 
lover of the principles of Adoptive Ma- 
sonry, I doubt not she will discharge her 
duties with fidelity. 

W. G. P. — Worthy Sister, previous 
to your investiture, it is necessary that 
you should signify your assent to those 
charges and regulations which point out 
the duty of a President of a Lodge of 
Adoptive Masons. 

1st. You agree to be faithful, good 
and true, and strictly to obey the moral 
law. 

2d. You agree to hold in veneration 



the rules and regulations of the Order of 
Adoptive Masonry, and of the Lodge 
over which you have been elected to 
preside, and that you will submit to the 
awards and resolutions of your sisters 
and brothers when convened, in every 
case consistent with the rules governing 
the order. 

3d You agree to avoid all private 
piques, and quarrels, and use your influ- 
ence to prevent them among your sisters 
and brothers. 

4th. You agree to be cautious in your 
carriage and behavior, and courteous to 
your sisters and brothers, and faithful 
to your Lodge. 

5th. You promise to respect genuine 
sisters and brothers, and discountenance 
impostors, and all dissenters from the 
original plan of Adoptive Masonry. 

6th. You agree to promote the gener- 
al good of society, to cultivate the so- 
cial virtues, and to propagate the knowl- 
edge of the arts of Adoptive Masonry. 



70 

7th. You admit that no person can 
become a member ot this Lodge with- 
out previous notice and due inquiry into 
their moral character. 

8th. You promise that no visitors shall 
be admitted into this Lodge, without 
due examination, or producing proper 
vouchers of their having taken the Eas- 
tern Star Degree. 

Do you submit to these charges, and 
promise to support these regulations ? 

Ans. — I do. 

Sister A. B., in consequence of your 
cheerful conformity to the rules and reg- 
ulations of this order, you are now to 
be installed as President of this Lodge. 
In full confidence of your care, skill and 
capacity to govern the same, I now in- 
vest you with the badge of your office. 

The Bible is then presented. 

From this book we have taken all the 
moral lessons that are taught in Adopt- 
ive Masonry. Study it carefully and it 
will guide you into all truth ; it will di- 



rect your paths into all happiness, and 
point out your duty to God and to your 
sisters and brothers. « 

The chart is then presented. 

This chart will guide you in your du- 
ties that are of a more hidden character 
see that none are permitted to look into 
these mysteries but such as are entitled 
to receive them. 

Lastly you will receive in charge the 
by-laws of this Lodge, which you are to 
see carefully and punctually executed. 



CHARGE TO THE WORTHY PRESIDENT. 

Worthy President. The sisters and 
brethren having committed to your care 
the superintendence and government of 
this Lodge, you cannot be insensible of 
the obligations which devolve upon yon 



as their chief officer. The honor, repu- 
tation and usefulness of yonr Lodge will 
depend^on the skill and assiduity with 
which you manage its concerns ; while 
the happiress of its members will be 
generally promoted in proportion to the 
zeal and ability with which you propa- 
gate the genuine principles of Adoptive 
Masonry. From the spirit which you 
have hitherto evinced, I entertain no 
doubt that your future conduct will be 
such as to merit the applause of those 
who have favored you by their suffrages 
and the testimony of a good conscience. 



79 



THE VICE PRESIDENT. 

Brother Vice President. — You have 
been duly elected Vice President of this 
Lodge, and you are now invested with 
the badge of your office. Your regular 
attendance on our stated meetings is es- 
sentially necessary, as it is your duty to 
assist the Worthy President in the gov- 
ernment of this Lodge, and to adminis- 
ter the obligation to candidates. I 
firmly rely on your knowledge of Adopt- 
ive Masonry, and your attachment to 
this Lodge, for the faithful discharge of 
the duties ol this important trust. Look 
well to the same. 



80 



THE FIVE PATRONS. 

Sister Patrons. — You have been elect- 
ed to responsible offices, and it becomes 
your respective duties to represent Jeph- 
thah's Daughter, Ruth, Esther, Martha, 
and Electa. In these we contemplate 
certain exalted virtues, in their relation- 
ship to our Lord Jesus Christ, that per- 
fect exemplar of all virtue. The bene- 
fits of Adoptive Masonry are mainly for 
the iemale sex. They are its glory and 
crown, and its value consists in the spirit 
with which they enter it, and the grace 
they throw around it, and as you, my 
sisters, are to be the representatives of 
this |m, it should be your constant duty 
to so regulate your lives, that the honor, 
glory and reputation of the Eastern Star 
may be firmly established and the world 



81 

at large convinced of its good effect*. 

Sister First Patron. — Are you willing 
to covenant your honor as a woman, 
that you will faithfully discharge the du- 
ties of the office of first Patron. 

It is well. Receive the badge of your 
office. Its color, blue, which is sym 
bolical of the hue of the distant moun- 
tains under Judah's clear sky, and it 
serves to remind us of the two months 
stay made by Adah in the mountains 
while fortifying her mind against the 
terrors of a violent death. May you 
wear it with pleasure to yourself and 
honor to our Society. 

Sister Second Patron. — Are you will- 
ing to covenant your honor as a woman 
that you will faithfully discharge the du- 
ties of the office of Second Patron. 

It is well. Receive the badge of your 
office. Its color, yellow, which is the 
hue of the barley fields on the plains of 
Judah, and reminds us that in that place 
of harvest all the prayers of Ruth were 



answered, her faith rewarded and her 
trust in God vindicated, May you wear 
it with pleasure to yourself and honor to 
our Society. 

Sister Third Patron. — Are you will- 
ing to covenant your honor as a woman 
that you will faithfully discharge the du- 
ties ot the office of Third Patron. 

It is well. Receive the badge of your 
office. Its color, white, which is the hue 
of the silken robes of Esther, it serves 
to remind us that, in the spotless purity 
of Christ, we can alone expect to find 
favor at the Throne of God. May you 
wear it with pleasure to yourself and 
honor to our Society. 

Sister Fourth Patron. — Are you will- 
ing to covenant your honor as a woman 
that you wiil faithfully discharge the du- 
ties ol the office of Fourth Patron. 

It is well. Receive the badge of your 
office. Its color, green, which is Ibe 
hue of spring, also the hue that covers 
every grave, as with a mantle. It serves 



to remind us that as Lazarus came forth 
at the command of Christ, so shall we, 
at the spring-time of the Resurrection, 
be summoned from our graves by the 
same commanding voice. May you 
wear it with pleasure to yourself and 
honor to our Society. 

Sister Fifth Patron. — Are you willing 
to covenant your honor as a woman that 
you will faithfully discharge the duties 
of the office of Fifth Patron ? 

It is well. Receive the badge of your 
office. Its color, red, which is the hue 
of blood and wine. It should serve to 
remind us to dispense of our temporal 
means to the poor, even as the Redeemer 
gave his heart's blood to save us from 
eternal death. May you wear it with 
pleasure to yourself and honor to our 
Society. 

Sisters. — Do you submit to all these 
requirements, and promise to observe 
and practice them faithfully? It is well 9 
I accept it. 



84 



THE SECRETARY. 



Sister A. B. — You have been elected 
Secretary of this Lodge, and are now 
invested with the badge of your office. 
It is your duty to keep a record of all 
its proceedings, to receive all monies 
paid into the Lodge and pay them over 
to the Treasurer, taking her receipt for 
the same. Your good inclination to 
Adoptive Masonry and this Lodge, will, 
I hope, induce you to discharge the du- 
ties of your office with fidelity, and by 
so doing you will merit the esteem and 
applause of your sisters and brothers. 

THE TREASURER. 

Sister A. B. — You have been elected 
Treasurer of this Lodge, and are now 

invested with the badge of your office. 
It is your duty to receive all monies from 
the hands of the Secretary, keep a just 



and regular account of the same, and 
pay them out by order of the Worthy 
President, with the consent of the Lodge 
I trust your regard for this mystic fam- 
ily, will prompt you to the faithful dis- 
charge of the duties of your office. 



THE CONDUCTOR. 

Sister A. B. — You are chosen Con- 
ductor of this Lodge, and are now in- 
vested with the badge of your office. 
It is your duty to guide the footsteps of 
the candidates in their unknown mean- 
derings, and assist the Worthy Presi- 
dent in the explanations of the symbolic 
mysteries ot Adoptive Masonry; also to 
introduce all who shall be admitted as 
visitors. Look well to the discharge of 
these important duties. 

THE GUARD. 

Sister A. B. — You are chosen Guard 
over this Lodge, and are now invested 
with the badge of your office. It is your 



80 



duty to obey the behest of your supe- 
riors in office, and faithfully deliver any 
messages that may be intrusted to your 
care, also to see that the avenues of ap- 
proach are duly guarded while the 
Lodge is called from refreshment to 
labor. Let vigilance be your constant 
watchword. 



THE SENTINEL. 

Brother A. B. —You are chosen senti- 
nel of this Lodge, and I now invest you 
with the jewel of your office. As the 
key is placed in the hands of the Senti- 
nel to enable him the more effectually to 
guard the avenues of approach to our 
mystic family fireside, so it should ever 
morally serve as a constant admonition 
to us, to set a guard at the entrance of 
our thoughts, to place a watch at the 
door of our lips, and to post a sentinel 
over our actions, thereby excluding ev- 
ery unqualified and unworthy thought, 



word or deed, and preserving a con- 
science void of offence toward God and 
toward man. Your early and punctual 
attendance will afford the best proof of 
your zeal and attachment for the insti- 
tution. 



ADDRESS TO THE liODGE, 

Sisters and Brethren of Eastern 

Star Lodge : — Such is the nature oi our 
constitutions, that some must of neces- 
sity rule and teach, so others must of 
course learn to submit and obey. Hu- 
mility in both is an essential duty. The 
officers who are appointed to govern 
your Lodge, are sufficiently conversant 
with the rules of propriety to avoid ex- 
ceeding the powers with which they are 
intrusted, and you are of too generous 
a disposition to envy their preferment, 
I therefore trust that you will have but 
one aim — to please each other-*— awl 



88 

unite in the grand design of being happy 
and communicating happiness. 

Finally, may you long enjoy every 
satisfaction and delight which disinter- 
ested friendship can afford, may the 
principles of Adoptive Masonry be trans- 
mitted through your Lodge, pure and 
unimpaired from generation to genera- 
tion. 



